If New Zealand outplayed Sri Lanka in winning by 98 runs at Hagley Park, Australia did the same thing at the MCG, when they scored a 111-run victory against England. Both host nations thus demonstrated the courage of their conviction in the CWC openers on the first day at historic venues in New Zealand and Australia. If the packed Hagley Park emotionally welcomed the big event, 85,000 fans cheered for the Wizards of Oz at Melbourne. In a great start for his team, Aussies opener Aaron Finch played 128 balls and refused to stop until the 37th over of the innings. Only an unfortunate run-out off a direct throw by Eoin Morgan could stop him. In between, Australia lost Warner, Watson and Steven Smith quite cheaply but Finch still had the support from skipper Bailey. After Finch’s departure, Bailey, Marsh, Maxwell and Haddin ensured